Wise Men From the East — A Timely Reminder for Missions in 2025

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”
— Matthew 2:1–2

Every year, on January 6th, many cultures around the world celebrate what is traditionally known as Three Kings Day—or Día de los 3 Reyes Magos. In Puerto Rican culture, where I come from, this day is filled with joy, family, and a powerful reminder of the moment the Magi arrived to worship the newborn King.

Of course, Scripture never says there were three of them, nor does it call them kings. Some translations refer to them as Magi. Regardless of how many they were, one thing is clear: they came, they sought, they worshiped, and they brought gifts to honor Jesus.

A Beautiful Tradition With a Beautiful Message

The celebration of 3 Kings Day in Puerto Rico traces back to Spanish tradition. On the evening of January 5th, children—and sometimes enthusiastic adults—collect grass and place it inside shoeboxes along with a cup of water. These are left out “for the camels,” as the belief is that the wise men travel around the world during the night, delivering gifts to children who wake up to surprises the next morning.

It’s simple, beautiful, and deeply symbolic.

In recent years, a popular image has circulated across social media declaring, “Wise Men Still Seek Him.” And that phrase has stuck with me.

The Magi: A Revelation to the Nations

The arrival of the wise men marks more than a charming holiday story—it represents the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles. These travelers from distant lands followed a star that led them to Jesus. They were the first outsiders to recognize Him as King.

Their journey illustrates what missions is all about:

Following God’s leading
Seeking Christ
Bringing our gifts to honor Him
Sharing His light with the world

A Missionary Story for Every Believer

3 Kings Day is more than a cultural celebration—it is a powerful reminder of our calling.

Just as the Magi traveled far to seek and worship Jesus, every Christian is invited into a journey: a mission to bring hope, truth, and the message of Christ to every corner of the earth.

Like the Magi, we bring gifts—not gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but: